Nigeria is bracing for a nationwide protest organized by Omoyele Sowore's #RevolutionNow movement on Monday, demanding the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). Security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Security (DSS), have placed officers on red alert, particularly in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), to prevent protesters from marching towards the Aso Rock Presidential Villa and other restricted areas. Roadblocks have already been mounted in strategic locations leading to the National Assembly Complex, Force Headquarters, Court of Appeal area, Eagle Square, and Shehu Shagari Way.

Omoyele Sowore, a former Presidential candidate, affirmed on Sunday that the protest would proceed as planned, emphasizing the constitutional right of Nigerians to demonstrate. He highlighted that the "centre of gravity" for the protest would be Abuja, where Nnamdi Kanu is currently held. Sowore strongly condemned Kanu's continued detention by the DSS, branding it illegal, a national disgrace, and a clear act of disobedience to court orders by the federal government.

Nnamdi Kanu has been in DSS custody since June 2021, facing a seven-count charge of terrorism and treasonable felony. His legal battles have been fraught with controversy; he was initially arrested in 2015, granted bail in 2017, but subsequently fled after a military invasion of his Abia State home. Sowore pointed out that despite the Court of Appeal clearing Kanu in 2022, ordering his discharge and acquittal, the DSS never released him. While the Supreme Court later reversed this decision, it acknowledged that Kanu had not violated his bail conditions, attributing the confusion to the Nigerian Army. Sowore argued that trying Kanu again would constitute double jeopardy.

In anticipation of the demonstrations, Sowore also specifically urged the new FCT Commissioner of Police, Dantawaye, not to employ a heavy-handed approach, calling on police officers to refuse orders that would violate protesters' rights and to ensure their safety. He warned that any use of excessive force or unlawful arrests would lead to accountability.

Conversely, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, issued directives on Sunday for officers to be on high alert and strictly enforce a subsisting Federal High Court order. This order, given on October 17, 2025, by Honourable Justice M.G. Umar in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/2202/2025, restrains protesters from staging demonstrations within and around Aso Rock Villa and its environs, the National Assembly Complex, Force Headquarters, the Court of Appeal, Eagle Square, and Shehu Shagari Way. The IGP reiterated the Police Force's commitment to upholding the rule of law and maintaining public peace, calling on all groups, whether in support or opposition to Kanu's release, to adhere to this binding and enforceable court directive.

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) FCT Command, through Commandant Olusola Odumosu, also cautioned #FreeNnamdiKanuNow movement protesters against vandalizing Critical National Assets and Infrastructure (CNAI). The NSCDC has massively deployed officers to protect public and private facilities and ensure residents' safety, warning that while personnel are advised not to harass law-abiding citizens, criminals attempting to hijack the situation will not be tolerated. Similarly, the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has declared all correctional centres "red zones," urging the public to avoid these facilities during the protests to prevent any security breaches.

The proposed national protest has also led to confusion and uncertainty in the South-East region, with rumors of "no movement orders" and some schools asking students to stay home, despite no official sit-at-home call. However, the Anambra State Police conducted a security assessment, noting that residents preferred dialogue and peaceful engagement over disruptive actions.

Anambra State Governor, Prof. Charles Soludo, reiterated his non-belief in Biafra's separatist views but expressed readiness to engage Nnamdi Kanu in discussions about an "alternative vision for Igbo land" once he is released. Soludo emphasized the symbiotic relationship, stating that "the Igbo man needs Nigeria; Nigeria needs the Igbo man," and did not oppose the protest for Kanu's release.

Security sector reform expert, Okechukwu Nwanguma, Executive Director of Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC), weighed in, asserting that repressive handling of agitators often hardens them. He noted that IPOB evolved from non-violent movements, its tactics hardening due to state repression. Nwanguma proposed several urgent steps to break the cycle of repression: releasing Kanu or resolving his case through dialogue and due process to uphold the rule of law, demilitarizing the South-East with community policing, addressing root causes like unemployment and perceived political exclusion, and investigating abuses by security forces. He concluded that lasting peace requires justice, inclusion, and dialogue, and that releasing Kanu under a political arrangement would strengthen Nigeria's humanity and legitimacy.